Having sold more than 2 million copies over its lifetime, How Computers Work is the definitive illustrated guide to the world of PCs and technology. In this new edition, you’ll find detailed information not just about every last component of hardware found inside your PC, but also in-depth explanations about home networking, the Internet, PC security, and even how cell phone networks operate. Whether you’re interested in how the latest graphics cards power today’s most demanding games or how a digital camera turns light into data, you’ll find your answers right here.

Ron White is a former executive editor and columnist for PC Computing, where he developed the visual concept behind How Computers Work. Founder of one of the

earliest PC user groups, he has been writing about computers for 25 years and is known for building wildly extreme computers.

Timothy Edward Downs is an award-winning magazine designer, illustrator, and photographer. He has directed and designed several national consumer, business, technology, and

lifestyle magazines, always infusing a sense of “how it works” into every project.

A full-color, illustrated adventure into the wonders of TECHNOLOOGY

This full-color, fully illustrated guide to the world of technology assumes nothing and explains everything. Only the accomplished Ron White and award-winning Tim Downs have the unique ability to meld descriptive text with one-of-a-kind visuals to fully explain how the electronic gear we depend on every day is made possible. In addition to all the content you’ve come to expect from prior editions, this newly revised edition includes all-new coverage of topics such as:

•    How tablet PCs put the power of a PC quite literally in your hands

•    How Windows Vista makes your Windows desktop translucent and makes your PC more secure

•    How advances in optical disc technology such as dual-layer DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray discs continue to push the envelope

•    How Apple’s new iPhone is revolutionizing what cell phones can do

•    How BitTorrent technology enables anyone to share information with everyone

For a decade, How Computers Work has helped newbies understand new technology, while at the same time hackers and IT pros have treasured it for the depth of knowledge it contains. This is the perfect book about computing to capture your imagination, delight your eyes, and expand your mind, no matter what your technical level!

Category: General Computing

Covers:    PCs/Hardware

User Level:    Beginning–Intermediate

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 90 Ratings

Great Book For a Introduction - 2009-01-04
Reviewer Rating:
I read this book before I really got interested in computers but when I find myself dealing with computers I have to know how something does its work. This book was great for that and this book almost felt like it was made for beginner types like me at the time. I found myself intrigued by how processors work and its pretty insane to think about to me. A lot of stuff some people don't think about I wonder about like how a computer understands what you are typing or how the monitor understands what to display or even how a computer starts up. I wouldn't say this book will make you a computer genius but it will build a better understanding for those interested in computers. My first idea about computers were they are to complicated but after reading this I find myself comfortable building my own. It gave me a better understanding of how hackers operate and like I said this book is good for those who just want a simple understanding and not have to have someone translate what its saying. Overall pretty simple and lots of pictures and very good for people who want to learn or get an idea of what is going on with computers. The one problem I had was when I finally wrapped my mind around how something worked I wanted to more but I had to look elsewhere for the answer.

GREAT BOOK - NOT FOR KINDLE - 2009-11-19
Reviewer Rating:
--or atleast not for Kindle for PC... the pictures are impossibly small. They are literally impossible to read. In most books this might not be a problem. Here, however, there is valuable information in all the drawings. The easy to understand depictions of computer innnards is one of this book's strong suits. I work as a laptop (among other things) repariman in the Military and we use this book to learn the basic inner workings of computers and how what we learn in Basic Electronics applies to real world PC troubleshooting. I was excited to download this for my kinld for PC and refresh my memory as well as get the same explanations of newer technologies.
The book itself is great for this purpose. It breaks everything down into "barney - style" simplicity. At the same time it is extrememly informative and interesting. Unfortunately, you will miss the best part of the book and lose some valuable information by using this on Kindle for PC. I don't know if you can zoom into pictures on the actual Kindles but i have a feeling the result will be even worse.
Buy this book - but not the electronic version.

Popular science category - 2009-09-29
Reviewer Rating:
This book is for people who like to know what is going on, but not for applying this knowledge. You won't be able to upgrade; or troubleshoot your computer if you read it, and you won't be able fix your software either. The reason for the 4 stars is that the title is somewhat misleading. Otherwise, if you belong to the audience above, then it does a good job. On the other hand, if you want to do something specific, don't buy it, it won't move you in that direction, it is too shallow for practical purposes.

How Computers work. 8th edition - 2009-02-24
Reviewer Rating:
First off, the book is a great read. The shipping was rather slow though. It roughly took about two weeks to get the book, and after ordering from best bargain books I wish I would have paid a little more money. The web site said it was in "great condition". Almost, except the fact that the last 10 pages of the index and back cover was bent. The price was okay but I was expecting a little faster delivery. So pay the extra few bucks if you want to see your book soon. Cause otherwise you will be waiting. Have fun.

It's about time. - 2008-08-24
Reviewer Rating:
I'm a HUGE fan of "How stuff works" kinda books. This is THE book I have been looking for. It's written in such an interesting way. Personally, I feel pictures and diagrams are ESSENTIAL to understanding something thoroughly, and this book delivers and executes on that matter. If you are a visual, hands-on kinda person, then chose this book over others. It's second only to a real hands-on experience and live teacher.

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Hardware

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Hardware > How It Works